We associate it with oriental cuisine, but in reality it can also be used in more traditional preparations: we are talking about Chinese cabbage. Let’s find out what you need to know about the Chinese cabbage, recipes and uses included.

The world of cuisine is populated by a vast range of ingredients ranging from local traditions to culinary novelties. Among these, the Chinese cabbage It stands out for its versatility and its healthy benefits, representing a fundamental ingredient in many Asian cuisines and beyond.

In this short guide on Chinese cabbage, recipes and uses, we will try to understand what this type of cabbage is and how can you eat bok choy.

What is Chinese cabbage?

The Chinese cabbageAlso known as Bok Choy or Pak Choiis a variety of cabbage with a characteristic appearance, with dark green leaves and white stems.

This vegetable belongs to the family of Cruciferae or Brassicaceae and is related to common cabbage and cauliflower. Its shape can vary between flat leaves or more tuft-like leaves.

Its origins are rooted in East Asia, where it has been cultivated and used for centuries. Over time, it has spread to many other parts of the world, becoming a beloved and versatile ingredient in different cuisines.

The peculiarity of this cabbage is that it is harvested both in spring and autumn, becoming a protagonist of recipes throughout the year.

What does it taste like Chinese cabbage? The taste of the Pak Choi it tends to be bitter but, unlike traditional cabbage, it is not marked. Furthermore, when cooked, it does not give off unpleasant odors.

How to recognize Chinese cabbage

The Pak Choi It has some aesthetic differences compared to other common types of cabbage, visible mostly in the shape, leaves and color. Here’s the difference between the Pak Choi and green cabbage, cauliflower or kale:

• Chinese cabbage – As already mentioned, it is slender and has smooth, wide and oval-shaped leaves with a typical dark green color. The stems are white and thick, with a crunchy texture. The leaves can be flat or more arched while the stems have a more cylindrical and fleshy shape.
• Kale – Green cabbage has more curled and serrated leaves. They can also be larger and denser. The color can vary from a light green to a dark green, but tends to be more uniform with respect to the contrast between the leaves and stems of the Bok Choy.
• Cauliflower – Cauliflower has a compact structure and rounded shape. The outer leaves may be larger and partially or completely envelop the head.
• Kale – With a rounder shape, kale has jagged, curly leaves, giving the head a more tangled and “jagged” shape than the smooth leaves of Chinese cabbage.

Chinese cabbage: properties and benefits

The nutritional characteristics of Pak Choi make it a valuable addition to your daily diet. What is bok choy good for??

• Vitamins – It is rich in vitamins Vitamin A is essential for vision and skin health; vitamin C helps the immune system and promotes the absorption of iron; vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health; Vitamin B9 contributes to the well-being of the nervous system.
• Minerals – Contains essential minerals: calcium is very important for bone health, potassium supports heart and muscle function while iron is essential for the production of red blood cells.
• Antioxidants – The Bok Choy it is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and sulfur compounds and this makes it a valid aid in combating oxidative stress in the body, thus reducing inflammation and protecting cells from damage.
• Fibers – The presence of dietary fibers is sufficient to improve intestinal function and prevent the onset of constipation and abdominal swelling.

Chinese cabbage, calories

Another good reason to introduce the Pak Choi in the diet is linked to its caloric intake: the Chinese cabbage And low-calorie.

Of course, the calorie content depends on the cooking method and the type of ingredients used in the recipe, but in general 100 grams of Chinese cabbage equals 19 calories.

How to clean bok choy

Before attempting any recipe with Chinese cabbage it is important to understand how to clean and cook bok choy. On the other hand, with its crunchy leaves and succulent stems, it requires adequate cleaning to ensure freshness and food safety.

First of all, you need to remove the base using a knife and delicately separate the leaves, rinsing them under running water for a few minutes and rubbing the surface gently to remove any residues of earth or impurities that may be present between the leaves.

The stems can collect soil or residues and for this reason you need to pay more attention when cleaning, perhaps using a soft bristle brush or a damp cloth to gently clean the stems.

After completing washing and cleaning, you should gently shake the leaves and stems to remove excess water or gently dab any remaining moisture.

How to cook bok choy

The raw bok choy gives its best, since by doing so the destruction of thermolabile vitamins due to heat is avoided. However, it is also possible to use it cooked, as long as it is cooked for a short time.

Thanks to its crunchy texture and slightly bitter flavor, the Pak Chothe it is a versatile ingredient that lends itself to multiple preparations in the kitchen.

• Salad – The tender leaves of Bok Choy they can be used raw in salads, offering a crunchy note and a touch of bitterness. How to eat raw Pak Choi It depends on personal tastes.
• Wok or pan – You can prepare the stir-fried bok choy or wok, as long as the cooking is rapid. It does not need to be blanched first. It is delicious sautéed with garlic, ginger and seasonings such as soy sauce or oil.
• Soups and broths – Added to soups and broths just before they are fully cooked, the Pak Choi it brings flavor and consistency, enriching the dish with its freshness.
• Fillings and fillings – It can be used as an ingredient for fillings of dumplings, ravioli or rolls, the Bok Choy gives a unique taste to dishes.

In reality it is possible to experiment with this vegetable to discover new flavors and culinary approaches, enriching the palate. Potentially, the recipes with bok choy they are infinite.

Chinese cabbage: recipes and ideas

The Pak Choi it is incredibly versatile in the kitchen and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas recipes with bok choy:

• Chinese cabbage and peanut salad – It’s the recipe for Chinese cabbage salad: just cut the Bok Choymix with toasted peanuts and season everything with a vinaigrette made from sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce and a little grated ginger to obtain a fresh and crunchy side dish.
• Stuffed Chinese cabbage – You can prepare a stuffing based on minced meat and mushrooms and fill the leaves with Pak Choi. Then the rolls can be steamed or cooked in the oven for a few minutes.
• Mixed vegetable wok with bok choy – It is an interpretation of the stir-fried bok choy. In a wok, you can sauté Bok Choy, peppers, carrots, onion and other vegetables to taste and add meat or tofu. Soy sauce and garlic create the perfect seasoning for extra flavor.

Chinese cabbage: where to buy it?

The Bok Choy it is usually available at Asian grocery stores or markets specializing in fresh produce. However, its popularity has grown and you may also find it in some well-stocked supermarkets or organic grocery stores.